‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life,” the saying goes. And while quirky restaurants likely did not factor into Samuel Johnson’s proclamation, the fact is this city has some of the most unusual dining experiences in the world. Thanks to outlandish settings, creative food and rousing in-house entertainment, there’s no chance for foodies to get bored. What’s on the menu? Here’s but a sampling:

Malawai: A decade ago, poachers left the Majete Wildlife Reserve nearly barren. But work by African Parks has helped it gain “Big Five” status, which means you can search for elephants, leopards, lions, buffalos and rhinos without battling the tourist crowds found in the Serengeti or Masai Mara. Or, discover stellar freshwater diving at Mumbo Island on Lake Malawi.
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A red interior scattered with fake palm trees, Buddha statues and peacock feathers mark this place as one of London’s most exotic eateries. So does the food, which includes crispy zebra “jerky,” python carpaccio and pan-fried crickets.

You won’t be dining amid elephants balancing on giant balls or skipping bears, but Circus does boast a bevy of human performers. Aerialists, contortionists and fire-eating dancers are just some of those who’ll entertain you as pan-Asian delicacies tickle the buds.

The catch here: Everybody eats in complete darkness. Guided by blind staff, you select a choice from four mystery meals. By eliminating visuals, the restaurant promises you will “enter a whole new world in which one is uncertain of their surroundings.”

The standout at this pan-Asian noshery is the high-ceilinged dining area, which features a retractable roof and huge glass windows. Indian-inspired, carved wooden panelling and a stone lapis bar also lend to the visual drama.

The remarkable layout includes 10 opera boxes, so it’s not surprising that you’ll be serenaded with that type of music in this opulent restaurant. Every Sunday lunch and evening, and on Monday nights, singers backed by a string quartet share dulcet tones as an accompaniment to Mediterranean cuisine.